Just as you can’t know what skydiving is like before you try it, it’s difficult to fully understand the demands of college without having experienced them. Advanced high school classes, like AP and baccalaureate courses, can help you prepare for the rigor of college-level work, yet it can still be hard to envision how your environment will change when you leave home for the start of your first semester.

Freshman year of college is an exciting transition period. Many people are getting used to living away from home for the first time, taking harder classes and having a roommate. Especially if you’ve never shared a room before, transitioning into living with a roommate can be tricky. We’ve all heard horror stories of roommates who don’t get along, but with these five tips, you are sure to have a great roommate experience!